Cranes were a highlight of the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway (SJNSB) Association Annual Meeting held on Saturday, February 28. The group gathered at Ol’ Ironsides BBQ and Banquet Hall, near the eastern end of the Byway in Cairo.
The day’s events started with a tour of Cairo’s Roots Museum where members of the Association were able to see photos and artifacts of Cairo’s past. Many of the photos were taken by local photographers Henry Balcom and his son-in-law, Ray Green. Taken at the start of the 20th Century, the images document the founding and early years of area’s Hall County settlements.
During the meeting, Rick Maas provided an overview of activities at the Byway’s Visitors Center – the Big Red Barn in Broken Bow. The biggest update to the Visitor’s Center was the addition of the schoolhouse, restoration of which is currently well underway. Maas also noted a 17% increase in attendance at the Center, including 605 travelers from out of state and 41 from 15 different countries.
Other tourism highlights included a series of advertising vignettes showcasing the geography and wildlife along the Byway, featuring former Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook, and a smartphone app to help travelers plan their visit across the 272 miles of central Nebraska that make up the Sandhills Journey.
Grand Island Tourism Director Brad Mellema’s keynote presentation covered ground from the biology and migration of the Sandhill cranes occurring now, to the economic impact of tourism. Mellema encouraged the group to step back and consider what they might see as the every day wonders of the area, and how they can be showcased to bring more travelers to the region.
Awards were presented to individuals and organizations important to the success of the byway through the year. KCNI/KBBN was presented with the organization Friend of the Byway award for work covering the move and installation of the schoolhouse at the Visitors Center. Likewise, Rick Maas accepted the Byway Enhancement Award on behalf of the ever-expanding Visitors Center on the east entrance to Broken Bow.
Teri Hunt was recognized as the individual Friend of the Byway for her professionalism hosting the Dunning Christmas Extravaganza. Tammy Hendrickson was awarded the Frontline Employee Award by the Byway. Former Byway President Linda Teahon noted Hendrickson’s dedication to preserving the history of Custer County, as well as the great effort involved in maintaining the Custer County Museum.
Looking forward, the SJNSB Association elected Thedford’s Terri Licking as the 2026 Byway President. Scotti Ross was selected to continue as the organization’s Vice President and Twila Phillips will remain the group’s Secretary/Treasurer.
Not stopping long to consider the year past, the next event hosted by the SJNSB will be the 18th Annual Polar Bear Tank Race March 6 and 7. Starting in Mullen, teams will load up in a stock tank and float their way down the Middle Loup River. The race is still taking additional teams now for those interested in taking part in this unique Sandhills pastime. An entry fee of $250 per person gets participants a “racing tank”, 2 nights accommodation in Thedford or Mullen, and several great meals. Contact organizer Mitch Glidden at 308-546-2207 for more information.
